The Contract Wife Tries to Leave - Chapter 72
Ernst Tilen Babenhausen. Josephine’s eldest brother, the firstborn of the Babenhausen family, and the Count of Tilen.
He was also an unmarried dominant Alpha.
Leonid downed the remaining champagne in one gulp and made his way toward them. He could hear Josephine saying something behind him, but her words were drowned out by the chatter of the crowd. Without so much as a glance back, he continued straight ahead, his eyes fixed on Johanna, who was smiling shyly at Ernst.
“We’ll likely be seeing each other often, given our circles. I’ve heard you have quite an appreciation for art.”
“I wouldn’t say I’m particularly skilled…”
As he got closer, their conversation became clearer, echoing in his ears. Leonid let out a low chuckle. Appreciation for art, what nonsense. She used to sketch little illustrations for the newspaper, and that was it.
Johanna responded in much the same way. Ernst Babenhausen, with an annoyingly sympathetic expression, nodded and then asked in a concerned tone,
“So, are you no longer pursuing your art? If it’s something you enjoy, wouldn’t you be happier continuing with it?”
“Well, I suppose that depends…”
“Why are you so interested in another man’s wife, Ernst?”
Leonid’s voice cut in suddenly, startling Johanna. She flinched visibly. Without hesitation, Leonid wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. The sweet scent of her skin filled his senses. It wasn’t her pheromones, but her natural fragrance. He inhaled deeply, almost involuntarily. Despite being so close, he felt no discomfort. Perhaps their deep, uncontrolled encounter had served as some sort of inoculation.
“…Congratulations on your marriage, Leonid. I never thought you’d get married before me.”
Ernst looked at Leonid, who was standing close to Johanna, with a curious expression. It wasn’t just Ernst; other guests nearby were also stealing glances at them. Leonid’s reputation for his aversion to physical contact was well known.
“Thanks for the congratulations. Where’s Karl? Didn’t he come with you?”
“He’s with my father, over there.”
“I see. I should go pay my respects to the Marquess of Babenhausen.”
“Ah, well, then I’ll accompany you…”
Just then,
“Ernst.”
A clear voice cut through the conversation between the two men. Leonid glanced over with a slightly exasperated expression. Josephine had gracefully walked over and was now linking arms with Ernst. It was obvious why she had followed them here, intent on inserting herself into the conversation. Leonid’s brow furrowed slightly.
“Josephine, have you offered your congratulations to Leonid? And to the Marchioness?”
Ernst asked, turning to look at Josephine. She blinked dramatically and shook her head before turning to Johanna with a soft smile. Extending her hand, she greeted her.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Marchioness of Neubitz. I am Josephine Babenhausen.”
“Oh… You are the daughter of the Babenhausen family. I was just having a conversation with the Count of Tilen. It is nice to meet you.”
Johanna, though slightly awkward, responded gracefully. As she shook Josephine’s hand lightly, Josephine’s smile deepened.
“You look absolutely stunning today, Marchioness of Neubitz.”
“No, the honor is mine, Lady Babenhausen…”
“I must admit, I’m quite curious about you, Marchioness. I hope we can become close friends… Would that be too much to ask?”
“Well, I…”
Johanna hesitated briefly. While she had to play the role of the Marchioness, there was no need to actively engage in social activities. However, outright refusal seemed impolite. She was pondering how to respond when Leonid’s cold voice cut through the air from above her.
“Johanna has no need to establish a friendship with you, Josephine.”
His tone was almost reprimanding, and Johanna looked up at Leonid with wide eyes. She couldn’t understand why he was showing such hostility. Could they be on bad terms? She cautiously observed Josephine’s expression next. Josephine, however, maintained a gentle smile, showing no sign of displeasure whatsoever.
‘They don’t seem to be on bad terms…’
Perhaps it was just Leonid who disliked Josephine. Come to think of it, Josephine Babenhausen was also… a dominant Omega. And it seemed like she had a close relationship with Leonid…
…For some reason, Johanna felt her mood sink. She bit down on her lower lip and lowered her gaze to the floor.
“Isn’t it unbecoming of you to meddle in a friendship between women, Leonid? Even if you’re her husband, that’s too much.”
“What…?”
“Decisions should be made by the person involved, don’t you think? Marchioness of Neubitz.”
Johanna could only manage an awkward smile in response to the question, unable to give a proper answer. Suddenly, she felt as if everything about her was being starkly compared to Josephine, and her chest tightened with anxiety.
The Omega who truly belonged by Leonid’s side would be someone like Lucas Bantwood or Josephine Babenhausen… The thought made it difficult to breathe.
